Treatment

Let me state the obvious. The only way someone with an eating disorder is going to get better is if they truly want to recover. You can spend all the time and money you want on a luxurious treatment center, but it will do no good without the desire to change. Being told what to eat and having it served for you might make it easier for a while, but that security is gone immediately upon returning to the "normal" world. Unlike people with drug addictions, you can't avoid food. Eating disorders go through swings. Sometimes, the only thing to do is hold on.

There are many methods of treatment. If you're looking at this site for yourself, I URGE you to let someone know what you're facing. It'll be one of the hardest things you've ever done, but without the help of others, we would all be lost. An unbiased guide outside of everyday life often works well. By that a mean a counselor. You don't have to worry about hurting their feelings, and they have experience in dealing with issues. Forgive my bluntness, but let's face it; we all have issues.

There are treatment centers specializing in eating disorders around the world. Google them.

One of the latest methods is called the Maudsley approach. A family member or someone close prepares ALL of the food: every drink, every snack, every meal. The program is intended to last a year, with the patient gradually helping to prepare food. Needless to say, it's a huge responsibility for the care giver, and requires the relinquishing of all control from the patient.

Doctors will happily write a prescription of antidepressants for eating disorders, but really- when won't they? Prozac is the latest candy. While I'll concede that there are cases where medication is beneficial, I also believe that it is by NOT a solution. Drugs may alleviate the symptoms, but in order to truly recover, we must confront the underlying cause. If you're interested in alternative medicine, check out herbal remedies.

I know this is frightening, but imagine for a moment if you didn't get help. Where would you be then? As frustrating as allowing others to make the food decisions may be, you must admit that you haven't been making smart choices lately. Being hooked up to an IV at a hospital is worse than having someone prepare your meals. Nurses won't tell you how many calories are in them.